Maroon Fervorhttps://maroonfervor.com
Boston College Eagles HockeySun, 01 Mar 2020 15:21:47 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1BC topples BU to win Hockey East Regular Season Championshiphttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/03/bc-topples-bu-to-win-hockey-east-regular-season-championship/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/03/bc-topples-bu-to-win-hockey-east-regular-season-championship/#respondSun, 01 Mar 2020 14:26:56 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=955BC probably wished they could have clinched their 2019-2020 Hockey East (Regular Season) championship at Kelley Rink in front of the home crowd. To achieve their 17th Hockey East championship with a 4-1 victory over BU in enemy territory-is nearly as rewarding. Alex Newhook one-timed a perfect feed from Matt Boldy to record his 19th…

]]>BC probably wished they could have clinched their 2019-2020 Hockey East (Regular Season) championship at Kelley Rink in front of the home crowd. To achieve their 17th Hockey East championship with a 4-1 victory over BU in enemy territory-is nearly as rewarding.

Alex Newhook one-timed a perfect feed from Matt Boldy to record his 19th goal to push BC to a 1-0 lead in the 1st period. Boldy, Hardman and Newhook are as good a second line as the Stanfield, Bucyk, McKenzie Boston Bruins 1971 combination.

Connor Moore patiently paused a split second to slap home the BC second period goal that made it 2-0 in the second period. Marshall Warren made a spectacular backhanded pass that set up the Moore goal.

Logan Hutsko set up David Cotton’s 14th goal in period three that gave the Eagles a commanding 3-0 lead. BU would finally scored one off the indefatigable Spencer Knight to make it 3-1 on a sinking tip shot. Graham McPhee’s empty-net goal thwarted BU from any chance of a late-game miracle with 48 seconds remaining. BC is now 23-8-1 on the season and closes the regular season with a pair of games vs. UNH next weekend. BC will look to keep this train rolling as they vie for a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. As much fun as a Beanpot win would have been-the Eagles will be happy with a Hockey East Regular season title. This is what Jerry York refers to as trophy season. The Hockey East playoffs begin in two weeks and that trophy is clearly in sight of our Eagles.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/03/bc-topples-bu-to-win-hockey-east-regular-season-championship/feed/0Eagles 10-1 victory over NU was a game for the ageshttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-10-1-victory-over-nu-was-a-game-for-the-ages/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-10-1-victory-over-nu-was-a-game-for-the-ages/#respondSun, 23 Feb 2020 13:12:26 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=947This 10-1 Eagle win was not a case of running up the score on a weak opponent. Northeastern is ranked 11th in the current NCAA hockey tournament standings. BC played at such a high pace and speed that NU was overwhelmed. You can watch the highlights here. BC holds a 2 point lead over UMass…

]]>This 10-1 Eagle win was not a case of running up the score on a weak opponent. Northeastern is ranked 11th in the current NCAA hockey tournament standings. BC played at such a high pace and speed that NU was overwhelmed.
Eagles celebrate one of 10 goals vs. Northeastern/photo courtesy of BC Hockey

BC holds a 2 point lead over UMass Amherst in Hockey East standings. Maine has surged to third place and UConn has staged a remarkable second half to move into a tie with UMass Lowell in 4th place. BC has 4 games remaining while UMass Amherst has 3 to play.

The Eagles will play Merrimack at Kelley rink on Thursday night and travel to play a BU squad that dropped two straight games to a very hot Connecticut team. Merrimack gave BC a good battle despite the Eagle 6-2 win one week ago. BU saves their best for BC and I expect the Terriers will play like a National contender on Saturday night at Agganis Arena. BU will have to win the Hockey East playoffs to make the NCAA tournament this season.

BC (21-8) has moved into a three-way tie for 4th place in the NCAA unofficial Pairwise rankings. Defending national champion Minnesota Duluth and Denver are tied with the Eagles. The Pairwise rankings provide a highly accurate prediction on how the NCAA would seed the tournament. These rankings will change as teams finish up their regular seasons and conference tournament playoffs. BC is very likely headed to Worcester as either a #1 or #2 seed if they continue to win. There are 16 teams selected. North Dakota is currently #1 nationally with Minnesota State 2nd and Cornell 3rd.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-10-1-victory-over-nu-was-a-game-for-the-ages/feed/0#6 Eagles trounce Merrimack 6-2 to move into first placehttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/6-eagles-trounce-merrimack-6-2-to-move-into-first-place/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/6-eagles-trounce-merrimack-6-2-to-move-into-first-place/#respondSun, 16 Feb 2020 15:17:59 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=936Eagles sweep Merrimack with a 6-2 victory at Kelley Rink yesterday. The BC all frosh line of Mike Hardman, Alex Newhook and Matt Boldy led the way. BC moves into a 1st place tie with UMass Amherst but the Eagles have played one less game. The Eagles record moves to 19-8-1 overall. The recap is…

]]>Eagles sweep Merrimack with a 6-2 victory at Kelley Rink yesterday. The BC all frosh line of Mike Hardman, Alex Newhook and Matt Boldy led the way. BC moves into a 1st place tie with UMass Amherst but the Eagles have played one less game. The Eagles record moves to 19-8-1 overall. The recap is here.
Newhook drives to the goal and feeds Boldy for the first score

Since we give much well-deserved recognition to the point scorers-I want to sing the praises of some Eagle players who are playing great hockey.

Defensemen Mike Karow is emerging as one of the top Eagle Defenseman with his increased playing time. Karow was making plays all over the ice yesterday and recorded an assist by moving laterally to open up a shooting lane that resulted in Newhook’s third-period tally.

Mike Hardman (F) is becoming a huge physical force on the 2nd line as he is burying opponents on the forecheck. Hardman loves to attack the net along with Newhook and Boldy.

Freshman Marshall Warren continues to play excellent defense along with Seniors Jesper Matilla, Ben Finkelstein and Luke McInnis. I would like to see Warren receive more playing time on the BC powerplay unit as he is a terrific offensive playmaker. He can shoot and he can skate around traffic creating open passing lanes.

Jack McBain made a terrific sweeping move in the Friday night game that led to a Newhook goal. McBain is skating with Marc McLaughlin and Graham McPhee in what York calls his “MC-(pronounced Mick) line”. McLaughlin creates havoc with his speed on the forecheck and McBain is creating more offensive chances. I prefer we call it the “Southie” line but enjoy both nicknames!

Merrimack is not a bad team at all. They can skate and move the puck. The race for the Hockey East championship will not be decided until the final weekend of March 6-7. The final two games feature BC playing at UNH and BU hosting Northeastern. The Hockey East standings are here.

Brian Gionta/courtesy of Cawlidge Hockey

BC honored the great Brian Gionta by raising his jersey to the rafters during the intermission. Gionta was the most electrifying Eagle hockey player this writer has ever seen. York called him one of the three best all-time Eagle hockey players. Gionta scored 123 goals in his four seasons at BC-the best in team history.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/6-eagles-trounce-merrimack-6-2-to-move-into-first-place/feed/0Eagles destroy Harvard 7-2 in Beanpothttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-destroy-harvard-7-2-in-beanpot/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-destroy-harvard-7-2-in-beanpot/#respondTue, 11 Feb 2020 00:59:44 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=928Boston College rallied the troops and throttled Harvard 7-2 in the Beanpot consolation game. Six Eagles scored goals with Jack McBain (5th and 6th) netting two and Matt Boldy broke through with his 3rd goal of the season while registering two assists. BC gave up an early goal to Harvard while playing a man short…

]]>Boston College rallied the troops and throttled Harvard 7-2 in the Beanpot consolation game. Six Eagles scored goals with Jack McBain (5th and 6th) netting two and Matt Boldy broke through with his 3rd goal of the season while registering two assists.

BC gave up an early goal to Harvard while playing a man short but rattled off 5 straight goals to end this contest in a knockout in period two. Logan Hutsko (16th), David Cotton (13) and Alex Newhook (13th shorthanded) also scored in the rout. Mike Hardman (8th) scored on a terrific pass from Matt Boldy to cap the game 5 minutes into the 3rd period.

Jerry York had switched his line combinations in the previous contest and the Boldy, Newhook and Hardman all freshmen line will be major contributors to the Eagle stretch run for Hockey East supremacy.

BC is now ranked 6th in the unofficial NCAA hockey rankings for tournament seeding purposes. You can view the updated NCAA “Pairwise Rankings” here. The Pairwise ranking is a highly accurate predictor of how the NCAA selects and seeds teams for the national tournament. The NCAA utilizes a mathematical calculation including head to head outcome, and performance against common opponents from teams under consideration (TUC).

The Eagles (20 points) have their eyes set on Hockey East right now as they sit in third place trailing Massachusetts (24 points) (who has played 3 more games) and UMass Lowell (22 points-played 1 extra game). Maine (20 points) is tied with BC in third place and BU and UNH are only one point behind with 19 points each. The conference standings can be seen here.

BC faces off against Merrimack for two important games this weekend. BC hopes to have Freshman Drew Helleson return to action after his injury in the Beanpot.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-destroy-harvard-7-2-in-beanpot/feed/0Eagles upended 3-2 by UMass Lowellhttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-upended-3-2-by-umass-lowell/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-upended-3-2-by-umass-lowell/#respondSat, 08 Feb 2020 16:05:40 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=923Jerry York changed up his line combinations last night, but BC dropped a 3-2 decision to UMass Lowell. BC is now in second place in Hockey East just two points behind UMass Amherst-who beat Providence last night. The Eagles still hold two games in hand. “There was no post Beanpot hangover..we played hard, played well.”-Jerry…

]]>Jerry York changed up his line combinations last night, but BC dropped a 3-2 decision to UMass Lowell. BC is now in second place in Hockey East just two points behind UMass Amherst-who beat Providence last night. The Eagles still hold two games in hand.

“There was no post Beanpot hangover..we played hard, played well.”-Jerry York. York mentioned that BC is one play away from reversing these very tight one goal losses and told his team to “Keep chopping wood”.

York changed up his line combinations last night by moving Newhook up to the second line to center Matt Boldy and Mike Hardman. It does not seem to matter where Newhook plays, as he scored a short handed goal-his 12th in his rookie season.

Boldy is ready to break out any day now and I predict that he will score against Harvard in the Beanpot on Monday.

Ben Finkelstein scored his fourth goal on a perfect feed from who else-Alex Newhook. Mike Karow played his best game of the season on Defense-leveling some terrific body checks against the older more physical UMass Lowell squad. BC was without Freshman Defenseman-Drew Helleson and forward Patrick Giles who both suffered injuries against BU in the Beanpot double overtime loss.

After the Harvard game-the Eagles will face Merrimack twice next weekend. Merrimack leveled BU last night 5-1 so none of these remaining games will be easy. Hockey East is going to be quite the “Pennant race” as York adeptly described.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-upended-3-2-by-umass-lowell/feed/0Eagles need a win vs. UMass Lowell to stay #1 in Hockey Easthttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-need-a-win-vs-umass-lowell-to-stay-1-in-hockey-east/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-need-a-win-vs-umass-lowell-to-stay-1-in-hockey-east/#respondFri, 07 Feb 2020 15:52:47 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=915Hockey East standings above courtesy of Hockey East. Go to this link to see the site with the full standings. Eagles hold two games in hand vs. UMass Amherst and one game vs. BU and PC. Eagles need to come out flying and capitalize early and often. UMass Lowell will try to play highly physical…

Hockey East standings above courtesy of Hockey East. Go to this link to see the site with the full standings. Eagles hold two games in hand vs. UMass Amherst and one game vs. BU and PC.

Eagles need to come out flying and capitalize early and often. UMass Lowell will try to play highly physical with subtle interference on the BC forechecking game. UML can not skate with BC so they need to slow down the Eagles and will try to counter-attack. BC has a more potent offense and hopefully will have a good fan turnout.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/eagles-need-a-win-vs-umass-lowell-to-stay-1-in-hockey-east/feed/0BC drops Beanpot 5-4 in double OThttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/bc-drops-5-4-beanpot-in-double-ot/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/bc-drops-5-4-beanpot-in-double-ot/#respondTue, 04 Feb 2020 17:34:36 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=903BC relinquished a 3-1 lead late and found themselves trailing 4-3 with 90 seconds to go. David Cotton scored a 6 on 4 (Goalie out) advantage to tie the game at 4-4 but BU scored in double overtime to win it. Highlights of the game can be seen here. BC seemed to be in control…

BC relinquished a 3-1 lead late and found themselves trailing 4-3 with 90 seconds to go. David Cotton scored a 6 on 4 (Goalie out) advantage to tie the game at 4-4 but BU scored in double overtime to win it.

BC seemed to be in control with a 3-1 lead with 8 minutes remaining but a penalty for “interference” gave BU the opportunity on which they would quickly capitalize. The Terriers scored three straight goals to gain a 4-3 lead before Cotton’s goal tied the game in regulation.

Cotton goal with 57 seconds to go

Jerry York was naturally disappointed with the loss but noted the danger in taking a penalty late against an explosive BU offense. The “interference” penalty was rightfully called on BC for slashing a stick away from a BU player.

The Eagles will need to regroup quickly and might be short-handed as Patrick Giles reinjured his shoulder. Giles scored the opening goal on a tremendous play by Marc McLaughlin who reversed the puck from behind the net.

BC faces UMass Lowell at home on Friday and remains in a first-place tie in the standings. The Beanpot does not count in Hockey East play but is factored as an out of conference “tie” game. BC is now 16-7-1 on the season as the stretch run begins. BC students turned out in record numbers and Jerry York recognized their support.

]]>Boston College hockey players learn to rebound quickly whether after a big victory or a tough loss. Last night the Eagles leaned on the dynamic goaltending of Spencer Knight and the explosive scoring from Alex Newhook (10th goal) and Logan Hutsko (15th goal) to thwart UMass Amherst. Graham McPhee potted his 3rd of the season as well.
Hutsko blazes by everyone to score on a back hand flipAlex Newhook flicks home an airborne puck for the first Eagle score

The Eagles move into a first-place tie with UMass in Hockey East with two games in hand. The top 6 teams are within 3 points of each other in one of the wildest seasons in recent memory. Check the standings here.

Matt Boldy has an uncanny ability to brake waiting for a teammate to join the rush

BC faces BU in the Beanpot Monday night at 8:00. This game does not count as a conference game. BU has quietly rebounded from a slow start and have climbed up to within one point of BC in the conference standing.

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/02/5-bc-knocks-off-6-umass-3-0-in-amherst/feed/0Eagles unlucky in 3-2 overtime defeathttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/01/eagles-unlucky-in-3-2-overtime-defeat/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/01/eagles-unlucky-in-3-2-overtime-defeat/#respondSun, 26 Jan 2020 18:01:59 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=874Boston College played an excellent hockey game last night but fate dealt them a 3-2 overtime loss for the second consecutive night. BC goaltender Spencer Knight lost his stick and Maine fired in a goal to tie the game 1-1 in the first period. It appeared that Knight was bumped accidentally which forced his stick…

]]>Boston College played an excellent hockey game last night but fate dealt them a 3-2 overtime loss for the second consecutive night.

BC goaltender Spencer Knight lost his stick and Maine fired in a goal to tie the game 1-1 in the first period. It appeared that Knight was bumped accidentally which forced his stick out of his hands. BC tried to slide his stick back to him, but Maine capitalized before Knight could regain control.

Julius Mattila scored his 7th goal of the season to give BC a 1-0 lead late in the first period on a beautiful pass from Logan Hutsko.

Julius Mattila blasts in his 7th goal

BC was unable to convert on 7 of their 8 man-advantage opportunities, despite moving the puck well and firing plenty of shots. BC registered a 38 to 25 shot advantage on the night. Maine has a good goaltender-Bruin’s draft pick Jeremy Swayman, and he proved to be the difference.

Maine quickly tied it on a powerplay goal against a defenseless Spencer Knight. Mitchell Fossier’s second-period tally made the score 2-1 Maine. BC fought back to tie the game at 2-2 when Graham McPhee unleashed a fast-rising wrist shot that beat Maine goalie Swayman with 10 minutes remaining.

McPhee ties the score 2-2

The game looked like it might end in a 2-2 tie as overtime neared completion, but Maine forward Patrick Shea was allowed to slap Jesper Mattilla’s stick out of his hands and Shea capitalized by shoveling home the winning goal. The uncalled penalty and game highlights can be seen at this link.

Shea slaps stick away from Jesper Mattila

Jerry York was pleased with his team’s play and foresees very positive results forthcoming. UMass Amherst is next up for BC on Friday with BU on deck in the Beanpot opener on February 3rd. There is no rest for the weary and York emphasized that his club is well-positioned to overcome adversity.

Jesper Mattila tries to notify referee that his stick was slashed away

]]>https://maroonfervor.com/2020/01/eagles-unlucky-in-3-2-overtime-defeat/feed/0Eagles lose 4-3 OT game vs. Mainehttps://maroonfervor.com/2020/01/eagles-lose-4-3-ot-game-vs-maine/
https://maroonfervor.com/2020/01/eagles-lose-4-3-ot-game-vs-maine/#respondSat, 25 Jan 2020 14:59:37 +0000https://maroonfervor.com/?p=862After a tremendous 4 point weekend with wins over UMass Lowell and BU, BC stumbled last night with inconsistent play against Maine in dropping a 4-3 overtime decision. BC jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Mike Hardman (7th goal) and Alex Newhook (9th goal) in the first period, although their play was less…

]]>After a tremendous 4 point weekend with wins over UMass Lowell and BU, BC stumbled last night with inconsistent play against Maine in dropping a 4-3 overtime decision. BC jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals by Mike Hardman (7th goal) and Alex Newhook (9th goal) in the first period, although their play was less than stellar.
Hardman, Mattila, and Rasanen celebrate a goal

Maine played physical and was able to win many loose puck battles as the Eagles were on their heels, and falling backward too often. In the second period Maine scored three straight goals thanks mostly to Mitchell Fossier who scored one and assisted on two. Fossier leads the team with 24 assists and is a player BC needs to defend in the rematch tonight.

Matt Boldy registered two more assists including a marvelous spin around pass to set up Newhook’s goal.

Newhook scores on a Boldy assist

Jerry York noted that BC did not play a full 60-minute game and we should expect a more robust effort tonight in the 8:00 rematch vs. the Black Bears. BC remains in second place in Hockey East, just one point behind UMass Amherst-as UNH upset the Minutemen last night. BC has played 2 fewer games than UMass. Standings can be seen here.